A Cardiologist's Perspective on Patent Foramen Ovale-Associated Conditions.

The patent foramen ovale (PFO) jeopardizes health and its problems may be major. A nineteenth century case report was the first description of a PFO as cause of death. To the present day, the PFO does not get the deserved attention. A PFO is found in roughly 25% of people, its particularly dangerous forms in about 5%. Those have a high enough risk for harm by the PFO to justify screening for it for closure, even as primary prevention. After all, closing a PFO is as simple as fixing a tooth and can be considered a mechanical vaccination.